Three Excellent Hulu Movies You Must Watch This Weekend (February 7-9)

When selecting movies to watch over the weekend, we don't usually consider the year of release. However, due to the peculiarities of the February release calendar, all the options chosen for this weekend are from 1998 and are remarkably different from one another. The first movie is an intense family drama directed by Spike Lee, while the second stands out for an unforgettable performance by Oprah Winfrey. Lastly, the third choice is a classic comedy that caused quite a stir at the time, although today it might seem rather moderate.

He Got Game (1998)
This basketball story, directed by Spike Lee, features Ray Allen as Jesus Shuttlesworth, one of the top prospects in the world of high school basketball. The expectation surrounding his signing is so high that the governor of New York orders the temporary release of his father, Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington), who is imprisoned for an accident that led to Jesus's mother's death. Through his complicated relationship with Jake, who seeks redemption and helps a battered prostitute, Dakota Barns (Milla Jovovich), a poignant story unfolds. For Jake to regain his freedom permanently, he needs his son's help.

Beloved (1998)
This film marks a reunion between actors Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover, in addition to being an adaptation of Toni Morrison's novel. The plot follows Sethe (Winfrey), an ex-slave confronting the presence of a ghost in her home, which has driven most of her children away. Paul D. (Glover), an old fellow sufferer of Sethe, returns to her life and seems to dispel the dark spirit. With the discovery of the truth behind the ghost, the story intertwines with the life of Denver (Kimberly Elise), Sethe's daughter, who forms a connection with Beloved (Thandiwe Newton), a woman who could endanger the entire family.

There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Before taking the director's helm on projects like Severance, Ben Stiller made a name for himself in 90s comedy. His most iconic film from that era is undoubtedly There's Something About Mary. The plot follows Ted Stroehmann (Stiller), who, after finishing high school, had a disastrous date with Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz). Years later, his friend Dom (Chris Elliott) encourages him to hire a private detective, Pat Healy (Matt Dillon), to investigate Mary's life and whether she is still single. However, Pat also becomes attracted to Mary, sparking a series of misadventures in which Ted discovers he is not the only one vying for her affection.